Plug Valve Braking System with Indexing Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spacecraft engine valves require a braking system that simplifies the structure by eliminating actuators during flight while allowing adjustment on the ground, necessitating a mechanism to lock the plug axis in position without the actuator for reliable engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A braking system for a plug valve featuring a movable plug shaft with indexing ramps and complementary indexing portions that selectively engage to immobilize the axis in rotation, allowing free movement during adjustment and precise locking post-adjustment, using a braking part with first and second indexing portions that contact the ramps to lock the axis in specific directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator is eliminated to simplify the valve structure for flight, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust the valve position on the ground is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is adjusted to the desired position on the ground before flight, and the braking system is engaged to maintain this position during flight. The adjustment action is performed in advance during calibration operations, eliminating the need for actuators during flight while preserving the ability to set and maintain the correct operating point.
2Reliability
If the braking system locks the plug axis in position, then the reliability of maintaining engine operating point is improved, but the ease of adjustment on the ground is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is designed to be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on operational phase. During ground calibration, the braking system is disengaged to allow free rotation and adjustment of the plug axis. During flight, the braking system is engaged to lock the plug axis in the calibrated position, ensuring reliable maintenance of engine operating point.
3Ease of operation
If the valve allows free movement during ground calibration, then the ease of adjustment is improved, but the ability to maintain precise position during flight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a dynamic state during ground calibration to a static locked state during flight. The braking system enables this transition, allowing free movement during calibration for ease of adjustment, then locking the precise position during flight to maintain the calibrated engine operating point.
4Weight of moving object
If the actuator is removed to reduce mass, then the weight of the valve is reduced, but the ability to actuate the valve during flight is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the valve system for flight operations, reducing valve mass. The extraction is performed by dismantling the actuator after ground calibration, leaving only the essential valve components that maintain the calibrated position through the braking system during flight.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
Braking system for a plug valve, comprising - a plug shaft (1), movable in rotation about an axis - a braking piece (5), characterized in that - the plug shaft (1) has an indexing portion comprising a first ramp (3) and a second ramp (4), arranged around the shaft (2), in opposite directions of rotation, - the braking piece (5) has a first (8) and a second (9) indexing portion, adapted to selectively come into contact with the first (3) and the second (4) ramp respectively, the first ramp (3) and the first indexing portion (8) making it possible to immobilize the plug shaft (1) in rotation about the longitudinal axis (YY) in a first direction of rotation, and the second ramp (4) and the second indexing portion (9) making it possible to immobilize the plug shaft (1) in rotation about the longitudinal axis YY in a second direction of rotation.